Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen (Danish pronunciation: [ˈkʰɛlˀ ˈkʰiɐ̯ɡ̊ kʰʁæˈsd̥jæːˀnsn̩]; born 27 December 1947) is the former president and CEO of The Lego Group (1979–2004). According to Forbes, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen is the richest Dane with a net worth of $9.7 billion as of December 2015.

Biography

Kjeld was born 27 December 1947 in Billund, Denmark. His father, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen worked with his grandfather, Ole Kirk Christiansen, in the family business: Lego. As a child, he often inspired and tested new model concepts and their building instructions. He also appeared on many of the company's packages and marketing materials. In 1979, he became president and CEO of The Lego Group. Kjeld introduced themes, minifigures, LEGO.com, Lego Mindstorms and licensed properties. In 2004, he stepped down as president and CEO to focus on his role as owner of the Lego Group and vice-chairman of the board, while maintaining his role as chairman of the board of KIRKBI A/S, Lego Holding A/S and the Lego Foundation. Lego is privately held and is controlled by the Kristiansen family and their foundations. Kjeld and his wife, Camilla, live in Denmark and have three children and two grandchildren.

Awards

He has received many awards in his professional career.

Knight of Denmark's Dannebrog Order

1996: The Freedom Prize from the Max Schmidheiny Foundation, Switzerland

1996: Distinguished Family Business Award from the International Institute for Management and Development (IMD), Switzerland

Moran (Peony) insignia of the Order of Civil Merit from the Korean government

Founder's Award from Dean Kamen

2008: he was inducted in the Toy Hall of Fame. The Toy Hall of Fame was established in 1984 to recognize those people who have contributed most significantly to the toy industry. Past inductees include Ole Kirk Christiansen, Kjeld's grandfather and Lego founder, inducted in 1989.